OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,080Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:2800Throw ratio:0.375:1Lamp life:3000 hours

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

35%

5.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.7

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 90% of projectors
5.9

Value for money

Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

4.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 80%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

42%

6.5

Image Quality

22%

5.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 84%
5.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models

5.7

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

6.7

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 89%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,080
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector Mitsubishi WD380U-EST

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

42%

6.5

Image Quality

22%

5.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

5.7
Reviews score
5.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

4.8

Price

5.9
ANSI lumens
2,800
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,800 ANSI lumens, brighter than 61.3% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
3,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, lower than 63.1% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.375:1
Min throw distance
0.52 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.52 m, shorter than 86.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
180 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 180 inch, smaller than 64.1% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
?
Max HDMI bandwidth
4.95 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 4.95 Gbps, lower than 97.9% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
3,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 3,000 hours, longer than 91.9% of projectors and equal to 4% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
340 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 340 W of power, more than 82.1% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Show more

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    3 vs 0
  • 0.49 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.52 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 27.3% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,800 vs 2,200
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 27.3% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,800 vs 2,200
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.49 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.52 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    3 vs 0
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 23.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models

    5.7

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.7 vs 7.4
  • 18.1% worse value for money
    Mitsubishi WD380U-EST has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.88 vs 6.9).
    5.88 vs 6.95
  • 63.6% more expensive
    Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is more expensive than the average projector (£1,080 vs £660).
    £1,080 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (3000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    3,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 10 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2011 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    May 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • 70 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (180 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    180 inch vs 250 inch
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.1 vs 2.2).
    1.1 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 17,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 110 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (340 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    340 W vs 230 W
  • 37.6% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4.1 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    4.1 kg vs 2.98 kg

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2011
Full review · Ultra short throw
Verdict
The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a bright business projector that throws large images from very close, best at 80 to 100 inches, with a sealed light path.
6.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
02/04/2012
Hands-on test · Ultra short throw
Verdict
The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is an ultra short throw projector that's easy to ceiling-mount, though squaring up an image on a table takes effort.
8.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
02/10/2013
Hands-on test · Color and readability
Verdict
The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST gives accurate photos and readable text in Theater mode, while its brightest Presentation mode makes reds look dark.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Mitsubishi WD380U-EST

  • High brightness (2800 lumens) effective even in well-lit rooms
  • Excellent ultra short-throw capability, projecting large images from very short distances
  • Sharp image quality with good uniformity across the entire screen
  • Long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode
  • Low maintenance with no dust filters to clean and easy lamp access
  • Robust connectivity including HDMI, dual VGA, and USB PC-free presentation
  • Quiet operation, especially in Eco mode (28 dB)
  • Unique audio mixing features with a powerful 10W built-in speaker

What customers don't like about Mitsubishi WD380U-EST

  • No optical zoom, which can make initial physical setup tedious
  • The focus lever feels loose or wobbly, making precise adjustments difficult
  • Remote control is cluttered with small, non-backlit buttons that are hard to read
  • Best color mode (Theater) significantly reduces brightness compared to other modes
  • Limited black levels and contrast compared to dedicated home theater projectors
  • Prone to the 'rainbow effect' common in single-chip DLP projectors

Verdict

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a high-performance ultra-short-throw DLP projector designed for classrooms and conference rooms, offering a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution and 2,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. Key characteristics include a remarkable 0.375:1 throw ratio that can project an 80-inch diagonal image from just 26 inches away, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, and a lamp life that extends up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode. Main pros include its space-saving filter-free design, 3D-ready capabilities via DLP Link, and versatile connectivity options like HDMI and USB for PC-free presentations, alongside a built-in 10W speaker with unique audio-mixing features. However, potential cons include the lack of an optical zoom lens, which can make initial setup and precise alignment time-consuming, and a remote control that some users find cluttered with small, difficult-to-read buttons.

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